Weekly Photo Challenge: Bridge

Nihonbashi (日本橋) which means “Japan Bridge” is in the business district in Chūō, Tokyo and crosses Nihonbashi River. The first Nihonbashi Bridge made of wood was completed in 1603 and the current twin arch bridge was constructed of stone on a steel frame in 1911. The bridge has been the kilometre zero marker for Japan’s national highway network since the Edo period.

Nihonbashi Bridge

Being located close to Marunouchi, Tokyo station and Ginza, the location is worth a stopover.

Back in the Edo era, Nihonbashi Bridge was at the centre of Japan. Shops were flourishing due to the river which helped circulation of merchandise. Nowadays, some of these shops are still operating. Mixed with the recent shops it makes it an interesting stroll. Many of its shops specialise in traditional crafts or local foods from across Japan, such as lacquerware, knives, chopsticks, sake, seaweed and sweets.

You can see replicas of the bridge in the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku and Haneda airport (International Terminal).